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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101226  Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Mathematical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification in Mathematical Sciences with Mathematics and Statistics:
  • Develops in science learners the necessary knowledge and understanding of underlying concepts and principles;
  • Develops the ability to access and evaluate scientific information including knowing the creation of scientific knowledge;
  • Develops a high level of cognitive and other generic skills including problem-solving, written and spoken communication and computer literacy;
  • Develops in the learner competence to apply knowledge through basic research methods and practice;
  • Develops in every learner a sufficient depth of knowledge and skills that will enable continued personal intellectual growth, including postgraduate study, for gainful economic activity in a range of careers, and rewarding and constructive contributions to the industry;
  • Provides the society with science learners who demonstrate initiative and responsibility, who are professional and ethical in their roles within the economy and society, and who are intellectual leaders within the industry and their society;
  • Produces learners who can increase, widen and transform the leadership base in South Africa, both for innovation and science-based economic and research development, and for the education of future generations of scientists, technologists, and other professional people.

    Rationale:
    Due to an urgent need for more scientists, a need for innovation and a multi-disciplinary approach. Surveys on employers of mathematical scientists indicate the need for scientists with a broad range of skills and generally applied competencies within a scientific context. This qualification provides an opportunity to promote the establishment of curricula that emphasise enquiry, innovation, and science within social development, and which develop generic skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking. The outcomes of this qualification indicate the competencies of potential employees in different employment sectors, such as industry and business, research and development, local and national government, development and planning, management, and education. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts that the recognition of previous learning and should take place within the existing policy of admission, as well as the granting of credits. A learner who cannot provide formal proof of compliance for the prescribed admission requirements, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to this qualification after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy completed successfully. The procedure for such recognition may, within the sole discretion of the institution include compliance with one or more of the following requirements:
    a) Specific results in a set of admission tests;
    b) Production of proof of alleged skills;
    c) Successful interviews; and
    d) The achievement of specific outcomes in an approved curriculum at this or any other educational institution indicated for this purpose. Credit for any module for which a learner receives recognition will be granted following the faculty rules in respect of the appropriate curriculum.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Integrate the knowledge and techniques of the core subjects in the programme in order to understand reality.
  • Investigate and apply the knowledge and techniques to solve relevant problems.
  • Gather information electronically and otherwise, and be able to process, evaluate and report on scientific information, solve problems, prepare for lifelong learning, and finally, to perform mathematical-analytical and mathematical-numerical data processing.
  • Work as an individual or in groups and, where necessary to exercise the necessary leadership.
  • Communicate in writing and present scientific data and possible solutions to identified problems orally.
  • Maintain high ethical norms when practising science and demonstrating responsibility towards fellow human beings and the environment, in particular when performing scientific investigations. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment in the form of class tests, homework, written assignments (integrated formative assessment) and semester tests (also integrated by nature) gives the learner feedback on his/her progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes. It mostly adds 50% or more to the module mark. Summative assessment (integrated assessment), in the form of a 3-hour written examination, judges the extent to which the student has attained the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The institution designs the qualification standard using the SAQA Level Descriptors for Level 7. These Level Descriptors are internationally comparable criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Thus, the generic Bachelor of Science qualification compares favourably with other similar Bachelor of Science qualifications, internationally concerning outcomes and assessment criteria, qualification design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.